Don't Start Off On The Wrong Foot When You Interview
Posted: Wednesday, July 01, 2009
by Mark Ste. Marie
The Interviewing Edge
We all know the importance of a good first impression whether in a social or a business setting. As the saying goes, perception is reality. One of the most important first impressions you'll make in the course of your life is in interviewing for a job. That impression is embedded in the interviewers mind, often within seconds. Once it's formed, it is their reality. If you somehow make a less than stellar impact on them, you face a decidedly uphill climb in turning their decision in your favor.
I know that sounds astonishing, but it is true. They wont decide to hire you that fast, but they will decide to eliminate you that quickly. Is that fair? No, probably not. It is however, reality.
We all know the basic things involved in making that first impression a favorable one and casting yourself in the best light. Common sense practices such as arriving 15 minutes early and never being late; dressing appropriately; a firm handshake stopping short of a vice grip; positive eye contact; a warm smile; and having your resume and documentation organized and ready combine to form a powerful initial statement of who you are to a prospective employer.
What I am sharing with you today, though, is one of the most unusual first impressions I've encountered in my years interviewing and dealing with clients in the recruiting world.
Years ago, I worked closely with a recruiter in the sales department of a major national recruiting firm. He and I often dealt with the same candidates even though we had different client bases. One afternoon we both interviewed a candidate who impressed both of us and who wanted to secure a sales position, preferably with a telecommunications company.
My friend, the fellow recruiter, specialized in placing sales representatives in that particular industry and knew one of his clients would be perfect for this individual. After a conversation with his client wherein he presented this outstanding candidate and extolled his virtues, the face-to-face interview was set and confirmed.
As is common protocol for a recruiter, post interview follow-ups are the rule. We debrief the candidate thoroughly as to his impression of the interview, what was discussed, his concerns and level of interest, and desire to pursue the position and company further. Then, the same basic conversation is had with the client as to his perceptions of the candidate.
The candidate was thrilled and assured my fellow recruiter that the interview could not have "gone better" and that he "wanted the job" and was "excited." My fellow recruiter was pleased until he talked to his client. You see it takes two to tango.
Here is the feedback from the perplexed client. When he entered the reception area to greet this individual and escort him back to his office for the interview, he was initially impressed. His image was fine. He'd worn a professional business suit, clean crisp shirt, nice tie and he seemed relaxed and confident. When this well-dressed young man stood up, everything changed.
The candidate was barefoot. His socks were neatly folded and tucked into his highly polished wingtips, sitting side by side next to him, resting on the floor. The interviewer kept his composure and introduced himself as did the candidate, shaking hands. At that point, the shoeless and sockless candidate picked up his briefcase in one hand, his shoes in the other, and informed the interviewer he was ready and excited to be there. The manager further reported that he had hesitated for a moment, furtively glancing at the shoes and halfway expecting him to put them back on or at least say something by way of explanation, but it quickly became apparent that wasn't going to happen. He led the candidate to his office and did conduct the interview. However, as you might expect it was short, perfunctory and a professional courtesy. The candidate apparently sat back down in the reception area before he left, put his socks and shoes back on, and went merrily on his way.
When my friend, the recruiter, inquired of the candidate in the next phone call why he had taken his shoes off, the candidate informed him in a straight-forward and unapologetic way: I was nervous while I was sitting there waiting, and being barefoot always relaxes me, so I took my shoes off. I think it helped a lot.
Not so much.
Being nervous before and even during an interview is a normal inclination, but there are many less obvious ways to relieve your stress than to free your mind by freeing your toes. In short, keep your shoes on!
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More commentsMark-Seriously? Shoes off?!? I think I have now heard everything! I guess on my next interview, I can't do as bad as that guy! Thanks for the article!Laura, it is a true story. Hard to believe but weird things do happen. No, you'd have to go quite a bit to not do well in an interview if you keep this hapless cnadidate in mind.Mark
Great topic, however, think it could use some editing to make it read better. Keep up the good workMarion, glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks for the comment.Mark
Great story!Thanks Jeanine. It still makes me chuckle.Mark
So, So true! First impressions and appearances do matter. I can certainly attest to this as I own my business and am in full control of hiring and firing. Employers as well as society judge you by the way you look, talk and act. This is a proven fact so get over it - accept it- and adapt! Or sit home jobless!Wes, the first impression is crucial. Thanks for the comment.Mark
Mark the wording "CRUCIAL" is still an understatement - though there is'nt really a better word. Like I said I own my business - I am 31 years old and somehow I under stand this, most people older than me understand this concept. What I do not understand is how my age group and younger cant seem to grasp this concept - I guess they just do not care! They interview in cut off shorts and flipflops or clogs and a T Shirt! I love dressing that way too but understand that there is a time and place for it. I own a Plumbing Company we do alot of service work - we live in the Richest part of the state. Alot of our clients are multi-millionaires - If you don't look just right "professional/respectable" you WILL NOT be going into their homes!I really believe a lot of my generation and younger are a lost cause - because (1) they don't want to work, (2) they don't care and (3) they don't want to work ;-) ENOUGH, I am now off my soap box.Valid points. The work ethic is crucial to success. Thanks for the comment.
Hello - great example - almost unbelievable - but so true! Amazing how we interpret our own behavior compared to how others see us. Great story that makes it all amusing - and insightful.Good Fortune! CherylCheryl, thanks for the great comment. Thanks.Mark
This is hilarious and it's hard to believe that someone actually did this and thought it was okay. It could have been worse, though. He might have been a person who felt more relaxed when he was completely nude. lolI agree. Thank goodness sans clothes wasn't his style. People do weird things.Thanks for the comment.Mark
Thank you Mark for this very important tips and very interestingly written. I am sure many will benift by reading this article. God Bless you.Swapna, thanks so much for the comment.Mark
Mark, wow it's amazing what some people feel is appropriate! Thanks for the great suggestions.Rob, people are unpredictable. I have seen some weird things in my career.Thanks,Mark
good advice, I have given over 200 hundred job interview, always watch out for the curve ball. Keep up the great adviceThanks Anthony. I will. Glad you enjoyed the article.Mark
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